DHSS Press Release

DPH WARNS PUBLIC TO WATCH FOR SIGNS OF CONTAMINATED STEROID INJECTIONS

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) advises Delawareans who feel ill following spinal and joint injections received after
May 21, 2012 to contact their health provider. This is in response to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) expanded recall of
all New England Compounding Center (NECC) medications. FDA has now advised DPH that 13 Delaware health care providers received NECC
medications that are part of the expanded recall. No illnesses in Delaware have been linked to NECC medications.

DPH has contacted the following facilities concerning possible use of NECC medications following notification by FDA. Facilities
that received the NECC compounds have been contacted by DPH and all facilities have discontinued use of the NECC products. Patients
who received injectable product will be contacted by their facility. The implicated medications may have been administered into
joints, the spine or eyes or used during heart surgery.

Symptoms include: fever, new or worsening headache, nausea, and new neurological deficit. Symptoms typically have
occurred within 1-4 weeks following injections. However, fungal infections can be slow to develop, and there are reports of longer
periods between injection and symptoms. Patients and their doctors need to watch closely for symptoms for at least several months
following the injection.

"We are issuing this warning out of an abundance of caution," said Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh, DPH medical director. "Anyone who feels
ill following injections into their spine or joints should contact their medical provider. Our DPH Bureau of Epidemiology is also
available to answer questions at 1-888-295-5156."

Health care professionals should cease use of any product produced by NECC, all which have been recalled. CDC is advising
healthcare providers to carefully check their inventory to ensure all NECC products are withdrawn. While the recall was initiated
due to an ongoing outbreak of fungal infections associated with a contaminated steroid injection - preservative-free
methylprednisolone acetate - FDA cannot confirm the sterility of any of the NECC products. The NECC product has been implicated in
the infection of 233 people in 15 states and 15 deaths have been attributed to it.

The following list includes Delaware facilities identified by FDA as having received NECC medications.

DPH is advising anyone experiencing the following symptoms following joint or spinal injection received after May 21, 2012 to
contact their health care provider.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health
and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.